The FIFA sanctioned the Malaysian Soccer Association (FAM) And to the Argentine footballer Imanol Javier Machuca for falsification of eligibility documents.
He Disciplinary Committee of the international agency determined that the Vélez player was registered with adulterated documentation to represent the selected of Malaysia In the qualifiers towards the 2027 Asian Cupwhich resulted in a economic fine and a one year suspension.
The case came to light after the game played June 10, 2025 in Kuala Lumpurwhen Malaysia faced Vietnam for the third classification phase.
Machuca He integrated the payroll with six other players of foreign origin whose presence aroused immediate suspicions. After the formal claim, FIFA He opened a file in which he verified irregularities in the procedures of sports nationalization presented by the Federation.
The ruling determined that the Fam He manipulated documentation to prove the eligibility of the Argentine midfielder and the other players involved.
As a sanction, Machuca received a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs and one twelve -month suspension of any activity linked to football, effective since notification. The Famo, For its part, it must pay 350,000 Swiss francs for its direct responsibility in the administrative assembly.
Same sanction runs for other Argentine soccer players who participated from falsification. they are Facundo Garcés and Rodrigo Holgado.
The resolution fully affects the career of Machuca, 25 years old, who after leaving Argentine football found continuity in Asia And it was one of the names used by Malaysia to reinforce your squad with nationalized players. His immediate future is suspended, since he will not be able to compete professionally Until September 2026.
The disciplinary committee also resulted in the case to FIFA Football Courtto decide if Machuca and the other players really comply with the eligibility criteria to defend the Malaysia team. Until that resolution is known, its international situation remains compromised.
FIFA notified on Thursday the decision to the Fam Already the players. According to the regulation, they have ten days to request the complete foundations of the ruling and the possibility of presenting an appeal before the Appeal Committee.
Source: Ambito
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